Train driver who died in Bedford crash passed red signal just moments before collision, investigation finds

The train driver who died in the Bedford crash passed a red signal just moments before the collision, an investigation has found.

Shaun Burton, 60, was killed in the crash on Friday, with more than 100 other people being injured.

The crash involved two East Midlands Railway trains, with one hitting the back of the other on the same line in Elstow near Bedford just after 5pm on Friday.

Mr Burton died when the train he was driving hit the back of a stationary train.

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The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) released an interim report stating Mr Burton's train proceeded to pass a red signal near the scene of the crash in Elstow.

It added, however, "it is not yet possible to say what indication the driver received" from automatic warning system equipment in the train.

The Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander thanked the RAIB for "providing an update on their investigation" and gave her sympathies to those impacted by the crash.

She said: "My deepest sympathies remain with everyone affected by Friday's tragic collision, and in particular with the family of the driver who lost his life and those who remain in hospital.

"My heartfelt thanks go to every person who responded so bravely and professionally in the most difficult of circumstances.

"I want to thank the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) for providing an update on their investigation so far, which will help us begin to understand the sequence of events that led to the incident.

"The report makes clear there is still much to establish, and the full investigation will provide the answers and recommendations everyone affected deserves."

She continued to say Britain's railway "is one of the safest in the world" and the investigation will "leave no stone unturned".

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